Actor Ben Powers, best known for his role as Keith on 1970s TV sitcom Good Times, died on April 6 in New Bedford, Mass. An obituary did not reveal the cause of death. He was 64.
Powers was a standup comedian who made guest appearances on TV sitcoms Laverne & Shirley, Gimme a Break and The New Odd Couple, before landing his Good Times role.
Powers, who played a professional football player on Good Times, married Thelma Evans (Bern Nadette Stanis) in the 3rd season of the show.
Powers’ character Keith had plans to move Thelma out of the Chicago housing projects. But on their way down the aisle Keith tripped over Thelma’s brother, JJ Evans (Jimmie Walker), and broke his leg. Keith’s career-ending injury put an end to Thelma’s dreams of living a lavish lifestyle as a football star’s wife. Broke and destitute, Keith moved in with the Evans family for the show’s final 2 seasons. Good Times ran from 1974 to 1979.
Powers’ TV wife wrote on Facebook, “My condolences goes out to the family of Ben Powers who past [sic] a few days ago. He was a great actor and great friend who is gone too soon. He will be missed by many. Until next lifetime my friend.”
Powers’s funeral is set for May 3 in Rhode Island.
